ROSS Staley drew his 14-month spell at Taunton Town to a close on Tuesday night, as he heads to Australia for sun, sand and football coaching.

The wing-back/attacking midfielder joined the Peacocks in November 2016 after departing Hereford, and last season he scored 12 goals in 32 games as the club narrowly missed out on promotion.

This season, he’s managed 10 goals in 33, and departs with Town eight points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League West standings.

Before his departure, the 23-year-old spoke to the County Gazette to look back on his stint at the Viridor Stadium.

“It’s been really enjoyable,” he said.

“They’re a great bunch of lads and the management are top quality.

“Hopefully, they will keep winning and get promotion.”

In terms of a highlight, Staley said it was difficult to pick one.

“We’ve had many great victories over the year, but certainly scoring a hat-trick against Totton [on January 6] was a nice send-off for me.”

He joined a club which was challenging for promotion, whereas now they are title favourites, so how has the squad changed?

“The squad is strengthening all the time.

“We were a good side last year and were unfortunate to miss out on promotion.

“Now we have more players to strengthen each position, and we are more used to playing with each other, which is just as important.”

He’s certainly confident they can finish the job and claim the league title, adding: “Absolutely – the club is in good hands.

“I’ve no doubt they will go on to get promotion, and to go up as champions would be even sweeter.

“They’re on course to do that; it can change, but they’re in a great position.”

His next move sees him travel to Perth in Western Australia, and Rockingham City FC, where he will play for them in the upcoming West State League Division 1 season, while also coaching the young players there.

“It will be a good experience for me,” Staley added.

“I’m looking forward to going out there, and getting a bit of a tan!”
The arrangement lasts for eight months, and he’s keeping an open mind about his future.

“I can’t say what will happen next.

“I would absolutely love to come back [to Taunton Town], as I’m leaving on good terms, but we’ll wait and see.

“I won’t be afraid to give them a call in future.”